Agassi, in a statement, said: "My deepest congratulations to Jim Courier and the USTA for the inspired choice of making Jim our Davis Cup captain.

"Jim has the experience, integrity and focus needed to bring the US Davis Cup to new heights. I know first hand that a man with Jim`s credentials as a warrior and a champion will bring out the best in our players and our fans."

Courier, who has already acted as McEnroe`s assistant in the competition, will make his debut as US captain in the first round world group rubber against Chile on March 4-6 next year.

The 40-year-old former world number one was part of a 1990s golden age of US tennis with Pete Sampras and Agassi.